Narendra Modi announces relief for UP train accident victims

New Delhi: In his first official direction after taking charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in a train accident a day earlier.

Announcing the sanction from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, Modi also gave away Rs.50,000 each to those seriously injured in the accident that took place in Uttar Pradesh's Sant Kabir Nagar district.

"Modi has directed the railway ministry to ensure that the relief operations following the Gorakhdham Express rail accident are carried out smoothly," an official statement said.

"Modi said that it must be seen that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care," the statement added.

At least 25 people were killed and about 100 injured when the Gorakhdham Express rammed into a stationary goods train.